Q Rings?

just saw a banner add for O rings, ovalized chain rings, looks like a reincarnation of the old biopace oval chain rings......have I been around long enough for things to becoming around full circle?

Dude, I think you're talking about Rotor Q-Rings.

Biopace wasn't a terrible idea, as I understand it kind of worked for mashers... My first mtb came with Biopace, 28-38-48 and a 6-speed cassette that was I think 13-28. I rode that first drivetrain until it was completely falling apart. Went to a 24T inner ring at some point after I'd had the bike for 3 or 4 years.

When I went to round rings I can't say I noticed any real difference. (Well, I noticed the 24 when I got it. First time I climbed Mt Falcon Park from the bottom it was with a 28T biopace ring and a 28T 1st gear sprocket. On a 30 lb rigid steel bike... A 24T granny was a true upgrade.)

A pro whose blog I read tried them and he seemed to think they were the business, as the brits say.

Q rings solve the problem with Biopace in that they have multiple mount points to correct for the rider. A lot of the Pros riding the Tour are using them. I'd try them on my road bike, but, really, the difference for an recreational rider is negligible. Just another item at which to throw money.

I ride Q-Ring on my roadie. It helps w/ the seat bounce when your cadence is above 100. But I only run the smaller/inner of the two rings on my (compact) cranks. If you have the big ring (and I've tried it also), it can screw w/ your front derailleur position. Plus, I'm pretty much never pedaling in the over 100rpm cadence range on my bigger ring

Another way to solve bouncing in the saddle, is keep your cadence under 100. Say, around 89-91 to keep that smooth pedal stroke.

Agreed. But I have mogul skier knees, and the higher revs actually feels mo' betta. The 100rpm range is actually pretty comfortable now...no bouncing...just took a bit of time to get there. At the moment it's about 115-120rpm range before the bouncing begins.